Sash jamb and balance means



April 2, 1968 Filed May 20, 1965 FIG. 3

\M xxx M T. .1. BEASLEY, JR., ETAL 3,375,610

SASH JAMB AND BALANCE MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheeil l ,7 7: INVENTOR'S f THOMAS J. BEASLE); JR. Y

R/CHA RD P. RODE NBAU GH April 2, 1968 T. J. BEASLEY, JR., ETAL 3,375,610

SASH JAMB AND BALANCE MEANS E Sheets-smeet 2 Filed May 20, 1965 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. BESLEY, JR. BY RICHARD P. RODENBUGH United States Patent O 3,375,610 SASH JAMB AND BALANCE MEANS Thomas J. Beasley, Jr., and Richard P.' Rodenhaugh, Memphis, Tenu., assignors to Southern Metal Products Corporation, Memphis, Tenn.

Filed May 20, 1965, Ser. No. 457,331 16 Claims. (Cl. 49-445) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A window sash installation having sash jamb andl This invention relates to sash jamb and balance means or to such structure for mounting or hanging a Window sash in a framed window opening of a building. The invention is `directed toward a typical window sash installation having an outwardly disposed upper sash and an inwardly disposed lower sash, that is, the invention is directed toward so-called double-hung window sashes.

In the typical double-hung window sash installation, a Y

pair `of Jsash jamb `and ybalance lassemblies provide 1) vertically extending guide track means for holding and guiding the movement of the upper and lower sashes; (2) means for counterbalancing the weight of each sash; and (3) sealing or weat'herstrip means for preventing wind or rain from entering around the side edges of the respective window sashes.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide sash jamb and balance means for quickly and easily mounting upper and lower window sashes in a framed window opening in a building.

A further object is to provide sash jamb and balance means including a pair of sash jamb and balance assemblies that may be readily cut or formed to correspond to the size of a particular sash or Window opening, and thus provide means whereby only a few sizes of stock parts may be utilized for the installation of many sizes of sashes.

A further object is to provide a substantially simple sash jamb and balance assembly which may be readily manufactured, and such sash jamb and balance assembly means which may be made and marketed economically.

A further object is to provide improved counterbalance spring cover means.

A further object is to provide a dual-purpose anchor clip for co-actingly anchoring the counterbalance spring and the counterbalance spring cover to the sash jamb body.

A further object is to provide an improved means for adjusting the lateral it or the frictional contact of the upper and lower sashes in the trackways of the opposing pair of jamb and balance assemblies, and thus provide ready means for quickly and accurately adjusting the balance of the sashes.

A further object is to provide sash jamb and balance means for etfectuating a weather-tight seal along the op- 'positely disposed side edges of the sashes.

A further object is generally to improve the design and construction of window sash jamb and balance assemblies.

The means by which the foregoing and other objects of the present invention are accomplished and the manner Patented Apr. 2., 1968 of their accomplishment will be readily understood from the following specification upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary environmental showing of the invention as applied to a typical window sash installation.

FIG. 2 is a vertical plane sectional view taken as on the line II-II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical plane sectional view taken as on the line III-III of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal plane sectional view taken as on the line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the counterbalance spring cover and jamb body arrangement.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing the anchor clip means of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view taken as on the line VII-VII of FIG. 6, and illustrating the upper portion of the counterbalance spring in broken lines.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view taken as on the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7, and showing the clip in broken lines.

FIG. 9 is a face View of the anchor clip.

FIGI. 10` is a sectional edge view of the clip taken as on the line X-X of FIG. 9.

FIG. 1l is a vertical plane sectional view taken asvon the line XI-XI of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a view similar -to FIG. 11, but illustrating a modified embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a horizontal plane sectional view taken as on the line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 11, but illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a horizontal plane sectional view taken as on the line XV-XV of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a View similar to FIG. ll, but illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a horizontal plane sectional view taken as on the line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16.

FIG. i18 is a horizontal plane sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a vertical plane sectional view taken as on the line XIX--XIX of FIG. 18, and with the View rotated degrees relative to the direction of the section line.

In the drawings, the various parts are indicated by numerals. LA ltypical double-hung window sash installation is illustrated and includes an outwardly disposed upper sash 11 and an inwardly disposed lower sash 13 installed in a framed rectangular window opening in a building. The frame of the window opening typically =includes a pair of oppositely disposed vertical frame members 1S, 15 and horizontally disposed base and cap members 17, 19, respectively. A pair of oppositely disposed sash jamb and balance assemblies, generally indicated at 21 and 22, movably mount the upper and lower sashes 11, 13 in the frame of the window opening. Sash jamb and balance assemblies 21, 22 includes, basically, jamb body members 23, 24; helical tension springs interacting between body members 23, 24 and upper and lower sashes 11, 1.3; tubular spring covers 27, 27 and 28, 28'; and sash adjustment means for adjusting the lateral fit of the upper and lower sashes 11, 13 in the frame of the window opening. Sash jamb and balance assemblies 21, 22 are of contrarily arranged conguration, but are substantially alike; thus the following description will be directed primarily toward one of the assemblies, namely, sash jamb and balance assembly 21, and the assembly disposed on the left side as viewed in FIG. l. v

J amb body member 23 of sash and balance assembly v21 is preferably formed of extruded stock and may be formed of metal or plastic material. Body member 23 has an inwa-rd side and an outward side and is disposed vertically along vertical window frame member 15, with the outward side thereof contiguous with frame member 15. Body member 23 includes structure defining respectively inner and outer trackways 29, 29 extending parallel and along the inward side of the body member. Bodyv member 23 is deformed along an intermediate portion thereof to provide a grooveway 31 on the outward side of jamb body member 23 and a trackway dividing structure 32 on the inward side of the body member. A pair of inwardly turned flanges 33, 33 extend parallel and dene the marginal edge portions respectively of the opposite edges of jamb body member 23.

Two pairs of parallel ribs 35, 35 extend respectively in inner and outer trackways 29, 29'. Ribs 35, 35 extend respectively longitudinally along the entire length of jamb body member 23 and are preferably integrally formed as the jamb body is extruded.

Tubuar spring covers 27, 27' are secured respectively between paired ribs 35, 35. Tubular spring covers 27, 27 are formed of extruded stock material and are respectively formed of integrally joined longitudinal sections 37, 37 and 39,V 39'. Sections 37, 37 are respectively U-shaped in cross-section, and sections 39, 39 are respectively substantially semi-circular in cross-section. The longitudinal sections 37, 37 of spring covers 27, 27 respectively are frictionally secured between paired ribs 35, 35.

Detent means are provided for removably locking spring covers 27, 27 respectively in paired ribs 35, 35. Ribs 35, 35 respectively include opposingly arranged detent portions extending longitudinally along the distal edge portions of the paired ribs. The detent portions of ribs 35, 35 respectively include a pair of oppositely arranged longitudinally extending narrow recessed surfaces 41, 41. Spring covers 27, 27' also include a pair of detent portions including, respectively, a pair of oppositely arranged longitudinally extending narrow beaded surfaces 43, 43' (see FIG. 18).'Spring covers 27, 27 are removably locked between paired ribs 35, 35 with the narrow recessed surfaces 41, 41 and the narrow beaded surfaces 43, 43 being respectively disposed in mated engagement.

Upper and lower sashes 11, 13 are provided with grooves 44 or channels along the oppositely disposed side edges. The channel edge portions of upper and lower sashes 11, 13 fit respectively in inner and outer trackways 29, 29 and slidably fit over tubular spring covers 27, 27. With reference to FIG. 2, it will be seen that when both upper and lower sashes 11, 13 are in closed dispositions, sash 11 is disposed in `the upper portion of outer trackway 29', and sash 13 is disposed in the lower portion of inner trackway 29. Further, with reference to FIG. 2, it will be seen that body member 23 extends between upper and lower cap yand base member 17, 19. Tubular spring covers 27, 27 extend substantially halfgway down from .the upper portion of body member 23. When the window sashes 11., 13 are closed, upper sash 11 completely covers spring7 cover 27', and lower sash 13 is substantially below spring cover 27. Typically, with the upper and lower sashes 11, 13 in closed dispositions, helical tension spring 25' of upper sash 11 is in a contracted configuration, and helical tension spring 25 of lower sash 13 is in astretched or extended contiguration.

Dual-purpose anchor means is provided for securing spring covers 27, 27 to -body member 23 and for securing the upper end portions of helical springs 25, 25 respectively to jam body member 23. The anchor means includes a pair of S-shaped clips. One of the clips, indicated by numeral 45, is illustrated in FIGS. 6-10, and the following description of clip 45 and its related structure will sufiice for both anchor clip means of sash and balance assembly 21.

Clip 45 is formed of substantially thin sheet material and includes an upper end portion 47, a lower end portion 49,.and an intermediate portion 51. An aperture 53 is provided in the longitudinal section 37 of spring cover 27 adjacent the upper end portion ofthe spring cover. Clip 45 is pendantly supported from the upper edge portion of body member 23 with the intermediate portion 51 disposed interposedly between spring cover 27 and the jamb body member. Clip 45 is disposed with intermediate portion 51 disposed beween paired ri-bs 35 and with the lower end portion 49 projecting through aperture 53. The lower end portion 49 provides a hook portion and supportingly engages the upper end eye-portion of spring 25. In addition to anchoring spring 25hook portion 49 also provides means -for preventing longitudinal sliding displacement of tubular spring cover 27 in paired ribs 35. A pair of hangers 55 respectively anchore the lower end portions of tension springs 25, 25 to upper and lower window sashes 11, 13. Hangers 55 respectively are of inverted T-shaped configuration and are tted respectively in the lower portions of the grooved or channeled edges of the upper and lower Sashes 11, 13. The lower end portions of springs 25, 25'` are secured in apertures provided in the upper portions of hangers 55.

The sash adjustment means, for adjusting the lateral t of the upper and lower sash members or for adjusting the frictional contact of the oppositely disposed side edges of the upper and lower sashes, preferably is the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and l1. In this sash adjustment means, a rectangular-sectioned flat bar 57 and a screw 59 provide the basic structure. Bar 57 includes a longitudinal medianly disposed threaded aperture, and the bar is snugly tted in grooveway 31 `of jamb body member 23. An aperture is provided in the structure of grooveway 31 and is in alignment with the threaded aperture of bar 57. Screw 59 includes a head portion 61 and a shank end portion 63 and is disposed with shank portion 63 engaging the threaded aperture of bar 57 and with head .portion 61 disposed on the inward side of jamb body member 23. The tip end of shank portion 63 abuttingly engages vertical frame member 15 of the window opening. As may be readily seen with reference to FIG. 4, turning yscrew 59 inwardly causes the longitudinally extending grooveway structure 31 of jamb body member 23 to be bowed or moved slightly outwardly and causes additional frictional contact between inner and outer trackways 29, 29 and the respective channel edge surfaces of upper and lower sashes 11, 13. One or more of the above described sash adjustment means may be utilized, as desired, for a particular sash installation.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a modified embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, the sash adjustment means includes a channel-sectioned bar 65 having a longitudinally medianly disposed threaded aperture in the web portion of the bar and a screw 67. Bar 65 is `fitted in grooveway 31, and screw 67, extending through an aper ture in the grooveway structure of jamb body member 23, extends through the threaded aperture of bar 65 and abuttiugly engages vertical frame member 15. The sash adjustment means of this embodiment functions substantially as does the adjustment means Villustrated in FIGS. 4 and 11.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 14 `and l5. -In `this embodiment, a fiat leaf spring l69 is titted in grooveway 31. Spring 69 is arcshiaped with -a concave s'ide, and with a longitudinally medianly disposed threaded aperture. The opposite end portions 71 of spring 69 engage the bottom surface of grooveway 31.*A screw 73, extend-ing through an aperture provided in the structure of grooveway 31, threadedly extends through the aperture of spring 69 and abuttiugly eng-ages vertical frame member `15. The sash adjustment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 provides resilient sash adjustment means for adjustably tensioning 'the frictional engagement lof the window sashes.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate .another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment utilizes a channelsectioned plastic block 75 and a screw 77. Screw 77 includesan annular shoulder portion 79, `a threaded shank end portion 81, and a head portion 83. Screw 77 is sub` stantially permanently tted in :an aperture lin the structure of grooveway I31, with that portion of the screw disposed between head portion 83 and annular portion 79 turnably secured in the aperture. Shank er1-d portion 81 of screw 77 is threadedly litted in a threaded aperture in plastic block 75. Turna-bly manipulating screw 77 adjusts the lateral t of the upper and lower sashes.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show another embodiment ofthe sash adjustment means of the present invention. In this embodiment, .a spanner strap member 85 is utilized for effecting a desired lateral t of the window sashes lin 4the respective trackways. A pair of longitudinally extending slotted :apertures 87, -87 are disposed respectively in opposite side edge portions of jamb fbody member 23 and adjacent respective flange portions 33, 33. Spanner strap member `85 is formed of shee-t metal material and includes a rst end portion 89 and an oppositely disposed -second end -portion 91. First end portion 89 includes an integrally formed rst hook portion 93, :and second end portion 91 includes an integrally formed second hook portion 95 and a third hook portion 97. First hook portion 93 and second and third hook portions 95, 97 are opposingly arranged and project respectively Vfrom the inward side of Spanner strap member 85. Second and third hook portions 95, 97 are in staggered arrangement relative to rst hook portion 93 Iand are disposed -respectively along opposite edge portions of portion 91. First hook portion 93 is received in slotted aperture 87 of jamb body member 23, and -a selected one -of hook portions 95, 97 -is received in slotted .aperture 87. Strap member 85 is disposed on the outward side of jamb body member 23 and spans grooveway 31. By engaging a -selected one of hook portions 95, 97 in aperture 87', a desired one of two different degrees of bowing of the body member 23 is provided to provide a desired one of two sash adjustments. An apertured extension portion 99 may be additionally included in second end `portion 91 of Spanner strap member 85. Extension portion 99 is for use in securely lfastening sash jamb and balance assembly 21 to vertical frame member 15. A nail 101, extending through the opening of extension portion 99 and driven into frame member 15, securely fastens the sash jamb and balance assembly 21 to the frame member.

In use, in the installation of the opposing pair of sash and jamb balance assemblies 21, 22 and in 4the mounting of the upper and lower window sashes 11, 13 in the window opening, the following steps may be carried out:

(l) Sash jamb body members 23, 24 and tubular spring cover members 27, 27 and 28, 28 are cut respectively to such lengths as correspond to the height or vertical dimension of the window opening and to the height or vertical dimensions of the upper and lower sashes 11, 13.

(2) The jamb body members 23, 24 and the spring cover members 27, 27 and 28, 28 Iare then respectively joined with the spring cover member being substantially locked in place by the detent port-ions of the spring covers and the paired rib portions of the jamb body mem-bers.

(3) A desired one of the several embodiments -of the sash adjustment means may then `be installed on the respective jamb body members of jamb and balance assemblies 21 and 22.

(4) The S-shaped anchor clips are installed, and the hel-ical counterbalance springs are inserted -in the spring covers .and the upper end eye-portions thereof respectively hooked over the hook portions of the S-shaped clips.

(5) The jamb and balance assemblies 21, 22 are then opposingly arranged along the oppositely disposed grooved side edges of the upper and lower sashes, and the lower portions of the -counterbalance springs are anchored t-o the sashes.

(6) The window unit, 'forme-d of ythe upper and lower sashes and the Iopposingly arranged jamb and balance assemblies, is then placed in the frame of the window opening, and the unit secured.

(7) The upper and lower window sashes are lthen adjusted as to lateral tit in the window frame by adjusting the sash adjustment means of the jamb and balance assemblies.

With reference to the embodiment of ythe sash adjustment means illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, it will be apparent that a slightly different sash mounting procedure will be required ctrom that above described. When the Spanner strap member sash adjustment means is ernployed, the respective strap members are preferably adjus-tably fitted on the respective jamb -body members before the respective assemblies are installed in the window frame.

The present invention provides a substantially simple sash jamb and balance assembly which may be readily manufactured, and such an assembly which may be made and vmarketed economically. The assembly may be readily cut or formed to correspond to the size of -a particular sash or window opening, .and thus provides means whereby only a few sizes of stock parts are utilized for the installation of many sizes of sashes. The lateral t of the sashes in the opposing pair of jamb and balance assemblies may be quickly and accurately adjusted, and the sashes quickly and accurately balanced. The assembly provides an elective means for providing weather-tight seals along the oppositely disposed side edges of the window sashes. In summary, the present invention provides sash jamb and balance means for quickly, easily, and accurately mounting upper and lower window sashes lin a framed window opening in a building.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity -or understanding, it is to 'be understood that it is not to be so limited lsince changes and modifications may ybe made therein Which are within the full intended scope of this invention as hereinafter claimed.

We claim:

1. In a building having a frame framing a window opening and including upper and lower window sashes ea'ch having side edges with a groove in each of said side edges, sash jamb and balance means mounting said upper and lower sashes in the window opening comprising an oppositely disposed pair of jamb and balance assemblies opposingly engaging respectively the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower window sashes; each of said pair of sash and balance assemblies including an elongated jamlb body having an outward side and an inward side, each said jamb body being disposed vertically and with said outward side engaging said frame of said window opening; each said jamb body having structure forming inner and outer parallel trackways along said inward side of and extending the length of said body; the side edges of said upper and lower sashes being slidably received respectively in said inner and outer trackways; a pair of parallel ribs secured to said jamlb body and extending longitudinally in each of said inner and outer trackways of each said jamb body, said pair lof ribs extending substantially perpendicularly to said jamb body for a substantial distance and extending into a groove in one of said side edges with at least one of said ribs engaging said sash providing said groove; a tubular spring cover located between said pair of ribs in each trackway of said inner and outer trackways, said pair of ribs and each respective spring cover located between said pair of ribs including means `fastening positively said spring cover to said ribs against outward movement of said spring cover away from said jamb body; a helical tension spring loosely fitted in each said spring cover; means anchoring the upper end portion of each said spring to said jamb body; and means anchoring the lower end portion of each said spring respectively to said upper sash and said lower sash.

2. The sash jamb and balance means of claim 1 in which said means fastening said spring cover to said pair of ribs includes frictionally engaged detent means removably locking said spring cover between said pair of ribs.

3. The sash jamb and balance means of claim 2 in which said detent means removably locking said spring cover between said pair of ribs includes opposingly arranged resiliently mating detent portions extending longitudinally respectively along said pair of ribs and along said spring cover.

4. The sash jamb and balance means of claim 3 in which said opposingly arranged detent portions include a pair of detent portions respectively of said pair of ribs having respectively a pair of opposingly arranged longitudinally extending narrow recessed surfaces, and a pair of detent portions respectively of said spring cover having respectively a pair of oppositely arranged longitudinally extending narrow beaded surfaces; said spring cover being secured between said pair of ribs with said narrow recessed surfaces and said narrow beaded surfaces respectively of said detent portions being in mating engagement.

5. In a building having a frame framing a window opening and including upper and lower window sashes, the sash jamb and balance means mounting said upper and lower sashes in the window opening comprising an oppositely disposed pair of jamb and balance assemblies opposingly engaging respectively the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower window sashes; each of said pair of sash and balance assemblies including an elongated jamb body having an outward side and an inward side, each said jamb body being disposed vertically and with said outward side engaging said frame of said window opening; each said jamb body havin-g structure forming inner and .outer parallel trackways along said inward side of and extending the length of said body; the side edges of said upper and lower sashes being slidably received respectively in said inner and outer trackways; a pair of parallel ribs secured to said jamb body and extending longitudinally in each of said inner and outer trackways of each said jamb body; a tubular spring cover frictionally secured between said pair of ribs in each trackway .of said inner and outer trackways; a helical tension spring loosely tted in each said spring cover; anchor means securing each said spring cover and the upper end portion of each said helical spring to said jamb body; means anchoring the lower end portion of each said helical spring respectively to said upper and said lower sashes; and means for moving a central portion of at least one of said jamb bodies selectively towards and away from the other of said jamb bodies to cause said one of said jamb bodies to bow and to adjust the frictional contact `of the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower sashes respectively in said inner and outer parallel trackways in said opposinglyarranged pair of jamb and balance assemblies.

6. In a building having a frame framing a window opening and including upper and lower window sashes, the sash and jamb balance rneans mounting said upper and lower sashes in the window opening comprising an oppositely disposed pair of jamb and balance assemblies opposingly engaging respectively the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower window sashes; each of said pair of sash and balance assemblies including an elongated jamb body having an outward side and inward side, each said jamb body being disposed vertically and with said outward side engaging said frame of said window opening; each said jamb body having structure forming inner and outer parallel trackways extending along the inward side and along the length ,of said jamb body;.said side edges of said upper and lower window sashes being slidably received respectively in said inner and outer trackways; a pair of parallel ribs integrally secured to said jamb lbody and extending longitudinally in each of said inner and outer trackways of each said jamb body; a tubular spring cover frictionally secured between said pair of ribs in each of said inner and outer trackways with each said tubular spring cover having an aperture in the wall portion thereof adjacent the upper end portion of said spring cover; anchor means including a substantially S-shaped clip having an upper end portion, and intermediate portion, and a lower end portion; said clip being pendantly supported at said upper end portion from said jamb body, with said intermediate portion disposed between said spring cover and said jamb body, and with said lower end portion projecting through said aperture in said spring cover to secure said spring cover to said jamb body and supportingly engaging the upper end portion of said helical spring; and means anchoring the lower end portion of each said helical spring respectively to said upper and said lower sashes.

7. In a building having a frame framing a window opening and including upper and lower window sashes,

sash jamb and balance means mounting said upper and lower sashes in the window opening comprising an oppositely disposed pair of jamb and balance assemblies opposingly engaging respectively the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower window sashes; each of said pair of sash and balance assemblies including an elongated jamb body having an outward side and an inward side, each said jamb body being disposed vertically and with said outward side engaging said frame of said window opening; each said jamb body having structure forming inner and outer parallel trackways extending along the inward side and along the length of said jamb body; said side edges of said upper and lower window sashes being slidably received respectively in said inner and outer trackways; a pair of parallel ribs secured lto said jamb body and extending longitudinally in each of said inner and outer trackways of each said jamb body; a tubularvspring cover secured between said pair of ribs in each of said inner and outer trackways with each said tubular spring cover having an aperture in the wall portion thereof adjacent the upper end portion of said spring cover; a helical tension spring loosely titted in each said spring cover; anchor means including a substantially S-shaped clip of substantially thin material having an upper end portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower end portion; said clip being pendantly supported at said upper end portion thereof from said jamb body, withsaid intermediate portion disposed between said spring cover and said jamb body, and with said lower end portion projecting through said aperture in said spring cover to secure said spring cover to said jarnb body and supportingly engaging the upper end portion of said helical spring; means anchoring the lower end portion of each said helical spring respectively to said upper and said lower sashes; and means for moving a central portion of at least one of said jamb bodies selectively towards and away from the other of said jamb bodies to cause said one of said jamb bodies to bow and to adjust the frictional contact of said oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower sashes respectively in said inner and outer parallel trackways in said oppositely arranged pair of jamb and balance assemblies.

8. In a building having a frame framing a window opening and with said frame including a pair of oppositely disposed vertical frame members, and with said building additionally including upper and lower window sashes; the sash and j amb balance means mounting said upper and lower sashes in the window opening comprising an oppositely disposed pair of jamb and balance assemblies opposingly engaging respectively the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower window sashes; each of said pair of sash and balance assemblies including an elongated jamb body having an inward side and an outward side, with each said jamb body being disposed vertically, and with said outward side engaging respectively a vertical frame member of said window frame; each said jamb body having structure forming inner and outer parallel traclrways extending along said inward side and along the length of said jamb body; the side edges respec tively of said upper and lower sashes being slidably received respectively in said inner and outer trackways; a

pair of parallel ribs integrally formed of said jamb body extending longitudinally in each trackway of said inner and outer trackways; a tubular spring cover secured between said pair of ribs in each said trackway; a helical tension spring loosely fitted in each spring cover; means anchoring the upper end portion of each said helical spring to said jamb body; means anchoring the lower end portion of each said helical spring respectively to said upper and lower sashes; and sash adjustment means for moving a central portion of at least one of said jamb bodies selectively towards and away from the other of said jamb bodies to cause said one of said jamb bodies to bow and to adjust the frictional contact of the oppositely disposed'side edges of said upper and lower sashes respectively in said inner and outer parallel trackways in the opposinglyy arranged pair of jamb and balance assemblies.

9. In a building having a frame framing a window opening with said frame including a pair of oppositely disposed vertical frame members', and with said building additionally including upper and lower Window sashes; the sash and jamb balance means mounting said upper and lower sashes in the window opening comprising an oppositely disposed pair of jamb and balance assemblies opposingly engaging respectively the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower window sashes; each of said pair of sash and balance assemblies including an elongated jamb body havingan inward side and an outward side, with each said jamb body being disposed vertically, and with said outward side engaging respectively a vertical frame member of said window frame; each said jamb body having structure forming inner and outer parallel trackways extending along said inward side and along the length of said jamb body, said jamb body also including structure forming a transversely medianly disposed grooveway extending along said outward side and along the length of said jamb body; the side edges respectively of said upper and lower sashes being slidably received respectively in said inner and outer trackways; a pair of parallel ribs extending longitudinally in each of said inner and outer trackways; a tubular spring cover secured between said pair of ribs in each said trackway; a helical tension spring loosely fitted in each said spring cover; means anchoring the upper end portion of each said helical spring to said jamb body; means anchoring the lower end portion of each said helical spring respectively to said upper and lower sashes; and sash adjustment means for moving a central portion of at least one of said jamb bodies selectively towards and away from the other of said jamb bodies to cause said one of said jamb bodies to bow and to adjust the frictional contact of the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower sashes respectively in said inner and outer parallel trackways in the opposingly arranged pair of jamb and balance assemblies.

10. The sash jamb and balance means of claim 9 in which said sash adjustment means includes a rectangularsectioned flat -bar having a longitudinally medianly disposed threaded aperture, and in which said sash adjustment means also includes a screw having a head portion and a shank end portion, said grooveway structure of said jamb body of at least one of said jamb and balance assemblies having an aperture, said fiat bar being fitted in said grooveway with said screw extending through said aperture in said jamb body and said threaded aperture in said flat bar, said screw being arranged with said head portion on the inward side of said jamb body and with said shank end portion engaging a vertically disposed frame member of the frame of the window opening.

11. The sash jamb and balance means of claim 9 in which said sash adjustment means includes a channelsectioned bar having a web portion and having a longitudinally medianly disposed threaded aperture in said web portion, said sash adjustment means also including a screw having `a head portion and a shank end portion, said grooveway structure of said jamb body of one of said jamb and balance assemblies having an aperture, said channel-sectioned bar being fitted in said grooveway with said screw extending through said aperture in said jamb body and said threaded aperture in said channelsectioned bar, said screw being arranged with said head portion disposed on the inward side of said jamb body and with said shank end portion engaging a vertical frame member of the frame of the window opening.

12. The sash jamb and balance means of claim 9 in which said sash adjustment means includes a fiat leaf-type spring having a concave side, opposing end portions, and a longitudinally medianly disposed threaded aperture; and in which said sash adjustment means also includes a screw having a head portion and a shank end portion, said grooveway structure of said jamb body of one of said jamb and balance assemblies having an aperture, said leaf spring being fitted in said grooveway with said concave side facing and said end portions respectively engaging said jamb body grooveway structure, said screw extending through said aperture in said jamb body and through said threaded aperture in said leaf spring, said screw being arranged with said head portion on said inward side of said jamb body and with said shank end portion engaging a vertical frame member of the frame of the window opening.

13. The sash jamb and balance means of claim 9 in which said sash adjustment means includes a channelsectioned block of plastic material having a threaded opening extending through said block; and in which said sash adjustment means also includes a screw having a head portion, a threaded shank end portion, and an annular shoulder portion; said grooveway structure of said jamb body of one of said jamb and balance assemblies having an aperture, said channel-sectioned block being fitted in said grooveway structure and engaging a vertical frame member of the frame of the window opening; said screw extending through said aperture in said jamb body and arranged with said head portion on said outward side of said jamb body, with said shank end portion engaging said threaded opening in said block, and with said annular shoulder portion engaging said grooveway structure in said jamb body.

14. In a building having a frame framing a window opening and with said frame including a pair of oppositely disposed vertical frame members, and with said building additionally including upper and lower window sashes; the sash and jamb balance means mounting said upper and lower sashes in the window opening comprising an oppositely disposed pair of jamb and balance assemblies oppositely engaging respectively the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower window sashes; each of said pair of sash and balance assemblies including an elongated j amb body having an inward side and an outward side, with each said jamb body being disposed vertically, and with saidroutward side engaging respectively a vertical frame member of said window frame; each said jamb body having structure forming inner and outer parallel trackways extending along said inward side and along the length of Said jamb body, said jamb body also including structure forming a transversely medianly disposed grooveway extending along said outward side and along the length of said jamb body; the side edges respectively of said upper and lower sashes being slidably received respectively in said inner and outer trackways; a pair of parallel ribs extending longitudinally in each of said inner and outer trackways; a tubular spring cover secured between said pair of ribs in each said trackway; a helical tension spring loosely fitted in each said spring cover; means anchoring the upper end portion of said helical spring to said jamb body; means anchoring the lower end portion of each said helical spring respectively to said upper and lower sashes; and sash adjustment means for adjusting the frictional contact of the oppositely disposed side edges of said upper and lower sashes respectively in said inner and outer parallel trackways in the opposingly arranged pair of jamb and balance assemblies; said sash adjustment means including a Spanner strap member having a lirst end portion, a second end portion, an inward side, and an outward Side; said jamb body including a pair of longitudinally extending slotted apertures disposed respectively in opposite side edge portions of said jamb body, said Spanner strap member having a first hoo-k and a second hook portion integrally formed respectively of said first end portion and said second end portion, said first and second end portions being opposingly arranged and projecting respectively from said inward side of said Spanner strap member, said hook portions being received respectively in said pair of slotted apertures of said jamb body with said Spanner Strap member being disposed on said outward side of said jamb body and spanning said grooveway, said Spanner strap 15 member being under a tensile force and securing said jamb body in a bowed disposition.

15. The sash jarnb and balance means of claim 14 in which said Spanner strap member includes three hook portions including one hook portion integrally formed of said rst end portion of said Spanner strap member and two hook portions integrally formed of said second end portion of said Spanner Strap member and with said two hook portions being in staggered arrangement relative to said rst hook portion, said one hook portion being received in one of said slotted apertures in said jamb body, and a. Selected one of said two hook portions being received in the other of said slotted apertures in Said jamb body.

16. The sash jamb and balance means of claim 14 in which said second end portion of said Spanner strap member includes an extension portion having a small References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 977,611 12/ 1910 Fromhold 49-452 2,770,849 11/ 1956 Gavey 49-505 2,885,933 5/1958 Evans 52,-217 2,912,726 11/ 1959 Goellner 49--430 3,046,618l 7/ 1962 Teggelaar 49-445 3,116,520 1/ 1964 MacGregor 49`429 3,206,795 9/ 1965 Weidner 16-197 FOREIGN PATENTS 596,068 12/ 1947 Great Britain.

DAVID I. W-ILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

J. K. BELL, Assistant Examiner. 

